UPDATE: I'm finally back into my account! For anyone else having this issue, here's what worked for me: 1. Used the Claimyr service mentioned above (it actually did work) 2. ESD agent confirmed there's a system-wide issue with password resets right now 3. They had to manually unlock my account from their end 4. Had to create a completely new password that didn't share ANY characters with my previous 3 passwords (that was the issue!) So relieved I can file my weekly claim now. Thanks everyone for your help!

I had this same issue last month and wasted HOURS trying to fix it myself. This password reset problem has been happening since they updated the system in December. ESD knows about it but hasn't managed to fix it yet. Something else to try - if you're using a password manager or autofill, turn it OFF completely. Sometimes the system rejects saved passwords even when they're correct. Also check if your caps lock is on (I'm embarrassed to admit this was my problem once). BTW I've been on unemployment for 4 months now and the system has had some kind of technical glitch almost every month. It's beyond frustrating.

Just wanted to add that you should also complete the Training Benefits Extension application now, not wait for your regular benefits to run out. The extension can add up to 26 additional weeks of benefits while you're in approved training. Having both applications in the system shows your commitment to the training path.

Update: I took everyone's advice and applied for Commissioner Approved Training yesterday. I also contacted WorkSource and they're helping me document why I missed the standard deadline. Still nervous about the 14-week determination timeline, but at least I know I'm on the right track now. Thank you all so much!

I'm an HR professional, and I can tell you that your situation sounds like what we call a "constructive discharge" in employment law. When your employer changes working conditions in a way that makes it impossible for you to continue working, it's not truly a voluntary quit. A few tips for your hearing: - Keep your testimony focused on FACTS rather than emotions - Be specific about dates and times of schedule changes - Explain exactly why the new schedule made continued employment impossible - Describe any attempts you made to negotiate an alternative schedule - Bring written documentation of everything BUT - be aware that if you were hired with the understanding that you might need to work various shifts, your case may be weaker. The judge will consider whether schedule flexibility was a known condition of employment from the beginning.

One more important thing based on my experience - make sure to submit all your evidence at least one week before the hearing! There's a deadline and if you miss it, the judge might not accept your documents. You can email them to OAH or upload through their portal. Also, write out a clear timeline of events and practice explaining your case in a logical order. The judges really appreciate when people are organized and to-the-point.

To answer your question about cross-examination - yes, I did have to question my former employer. The judge will explain how it works at the start of the hearing. You'll each get to make opening statements, present your evidence, and then ask questions of each other. When it was my turn to question my employer, I focused on getting them to admit facts that supported my case rather than trying to catch them in lies. Simple questions like "Is it correct that on [date] you changed my schedule without notice?" or "Do you agree that the company policy states [X]?" worked well. Stick to facts rather than emotions. And if they say something untrue, don't interrupt - write it down and address it when it's your turn to speak again.

I'm going through something similar right now! Have you received the official hearing packet yet? Mine came about 10 days before the hearing date and included all the evidence ESD and my employer submitted. Going through that packet was super helpful because I could see exactly what they were claiming and prepare my responses. If you haven't gotten it yet, keep checking your mail carefully!

THE EXACT SAME THING happened to me last year and I ended up with an overpayment notice because I misunderstood how to report jury duty!!! I thought I didn't have to report the $10/day stipend since it's so small. BIG MISTAKE. ESD is so confusing and the website doesn't explain ANY of this clearly. Now I'm paying back $780 because of their terrible instructions!!!

my cousin got jury duty during unemployment and he just told them he couldn't serve because he was looking for work and they excused him. might be worth a try if you dont wanna deal with all this ESD confusion

i had soemthing similar happen but turned out they were sending approval letters for different WEEKS not for my overall claim if that makes sense. one approval was for week ending 1/15 and the other for week ending 1/22 but my overall eligibiilty was still in question. might want to read the fine print on those letters.

After your hearing (which u will probably win based on those approval letters), make sure u ask about getting interest on ur backpay. Washington state law says they have to pay interest if benefits r delayed more than 30 days after approval. Most people dont know this and ESD never volunteers this info!!!

My neighbor works for ESD (not saying this to brag just giving context lol) and she says September is when they do a lot of quarterly reviews. Apparently they're going through and checking everyones job search logs right now so that might be it. Do you upload your job search logs or just keep track of them yourself?

Just checking in - any updates on your situation? Were you able to reach ESD?

To address your follow-up question: For weekly claims while on standby, the process is mostly the same as regular UI, but you'll answer "Yes" to the question asking if you're on standby. You still need to be able and available for work, report any part-time earnings, etc. As for delays in your return date - if January 15th comes and your employer needs more time, they can request an extension of your standby status for up to a total of 8 weeks (so potentially 2 more weeks). For this, they would need to submit another letter explaining the circumstances. If it goes beyond 8 weeks total, you would need to begin fulfilling job search requirements. I recommend staying in touch with your employer as the return date approaches to have advance notice of any changes.

Thanks everyone for the helpful advice! I'm going to request standby status and make sure I get proper documentation on company letterhead with all the required details. I'll also keep my options open and maybe do some casual job searching just in case the return date falls through. I'll call ESD directly (with Claimyr if needed) to make sure everything is set up correctly. Really appreciate all your experiences and warnings - they've helped me prepare for potential pitfalls in the process!

I tried calling that claimyr thing someone mentioned above when I was in ajudication for like 6 weeks. it actually worked pretty good got me thru to someone in like 20 mins when id been trying for days on my own. the esd lady told me exactly what was wrong (my boss disputed my hours) and i was able to fix it. worth it if ur stressing about rent coming up imo

One important thing to remember - if you're transitioning from standby to regular UI because you reported reduced hours, make sure you start logging your job search activities (3 per week) ASAP. Even if you're still waiting for the adjudication to complete. If they determine you need to switch to regular UI, they'll expect you to have been doing job searches during this time. I learned this the hard way and almost lost a week of benefits because I didn't have job search logs for the week I was in adjudication.

wait i'm confused... so if u start a job but dont get paid for 2 weeks, how r u supposed to pay bills? seems like the system is designed to make ppl fail tbh

Just to follow up on what everyone's saying - you definitely report based on when you work, not when you get paid. However, if you're worried about making ends meet, see if your new employer offers direct deposit. Many employers with two-week pay periods will still process your first week's pay sooner if you have direct deposit set up. Worth asking your HR department about this option.